Archive By Section - Politics

The town of Bethune welcomed a new councilman to the local government Thursday night, but he's a familiar face. John Heflin served on council previously for eight years and was sworn in by Judge Cody Mitchell at a special council meeting Thursday. Heflin fills the council vacancy left by former Councilwoman Beverly Farmer's resignation in March.

A debate forum at Camden High School (CHS) on Thursday night that was supposed to include all 13 candidates for S.C. State Superintendent of Education turned into an almost Republican-only debate. By the time the forum, planned by the Kershaw County Teacher Forum and Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, began, only Republican candidates Gary Burgess, Charmeka Childs, Don Jordan, Elizabeth Moffly and Molly Spearman, along with American Party candidate Ed Murray, were on stage.

Former Kershaw County Magistrate Gene Hartis, a candidate for Kershaw County Council Chair, has settled a lawsuit against the county for considerably less than asked for. Hartis originally asked for $4 million plus legal fees in his original suit aimed at Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews. A court document obtained by the Chronicle-Independent through the S.C. Freedom of Information Act says Hartis accepted a settlement of just $20,000 on Jan. 16.

Dr. Charles King, a former Kershaw County Board of School Trustees member representing Seat 8, will attempt to recapture his previous position in the upcoming election. King, an east Camden resident, previously held the seat from 2007-2010.

The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Legislative Forum and Breakfast at the Robert Mills Courthouse on Friday morning. Chamber Executive Director Liz Horton said the event allows representatives from the local, state and federal governments to share concerns with chamber members.

The filing period for those people wishing to run for countywide elected offices opened Monday and will run through Sunday, March 30. Kershaw County Director of Registration and Elections Rosalind Watson said her office will be open normal hours through March 28 and will also be open from 8 a.m. until noon March 29 and 30.